Becoming a Friend

    The primere has finally arrived. It takes place on Saturday night. So Eun dresses in a semi-formal red gown that makes her stand out. She did her hair in a simple chignon with a curly accent. She has to look her best because this is her first time on a primere.

     She prefers to wear a fabulous red dress because it makes her feel brave and bold. She wants to meet people in Hyuk Soo's world with confidence, without embarrassing the man. She wants to show him that she, too, can enchant people with her charm. So Eun doesn't want to diminish Hyuk Soo's charisma by appearing as an unbeatable partner for him at this important event.

    Hyuk Soo arrived earlier to fetch So Eun, he dressed in black and wearing a long coat. He is always fashionable, but he is making an effort to look better for this day. At first glance, no one would be able to tell him apart from a top model. With his black coat, Hyuk Soo appears very charismatic and manly. The all-black theme he chose for his outfit gives the man the appearance of a dark world knight. Magnificent, charismatic, and dangerous.

    They arrive on time at their destination. There are already a large number of reporters, famous models, and celebrities present. So Eun feels out of place because she never imagined herself attending such a grand event, and she is nervous. She takes deep breaths in an attempt to regain her composure. She still can't believe she was given the opportunity to attend this grant event when she first met Hyuk Soo. This is a completely different world than she was used to.

     Hyuk Soo senses her nervousness and places his arm on her shoulder, lightly tapping her shoulder and telling So Eun that everything will be fine. She casts a glance at him; he is in no better shape than she is. He's just as nervous as she is, if not more so. He appears stiff, and this is a critical moment for him. And, as someone who has been away from this 'world' for a long time, it is understandable to be nervous about returning. So Eun smiles, taps his back, and tells him that today is going to be a fantastic day. She takes his hand and leads the way.

     Hyuk Soo and So Eun sat next to each other on the row chair to watch the catwalk, as is customary for each event. The long-awaited moment has arrived, with one of the models entering the stage, looking so charming. When he turns around to return, another model enters, and so on. All of the models are stunning and have the ability to draw all eyes in their direction. Not only are the models stunning, but so are their outfits and dresses. Everyone would recognize the designer as a top and well-known designer with a distinct brand to showcase his magnificent work.

    It's finally Young Kwang's turn, and he's stunning, exuding the aura of a top famous model. He appears to be very different from his usual cheerful demeanor. His gaze is sharp and solemn, and his aura is palpable. So Eun and Hyuk Soo clap enthusiastically for him. When Young Kwang walks to the stage, he appears to be walking in slow motion. With his dignity and charm, he can hypnotize anyone.

    It's now Kim Min Hee's turn to wear the main outfits. She makes her way slowly but majestically toward the main stage. She is able to show every important detail of the design, and her unique aura draws everyone's attention and mesmerizes them with her figure. This stunning woman on the stage is Hyuk Soo's ex-girlfriend. So Eun is still unable to believe it. Min Hee smiles charmingly at Hyuk Soo after accidentally cacthing on his figure.

   So Eun was observable. She turned to look at Hyuk Soo, checking his expression. His expression is unreadable, he can put on his laconic mask. But she notices a glimmer of longing in his eyes. So Eun, on the other hand, feels a heavy weight on her heart when she notices his expression. She clearly senses that the top model and most beautiful woman on stage holds a special place in Hyuk Soo's heart, a position that is far away and unreachable for her.

   The catwalk is finally finished, and all of the guests and models are chatting in the hall about the show. Everyone wants to talk to Louis Vuitton's main designer, and in every conversation he has, Kim Min Hee, his main model, follows him everywhere. Today, she is the center of attention and her gesture show it all.

   Young Kwang appears in front of Hyuk Soo and So Eun at this time. He thanks them both for coming and congratulates Hyuk Soo on his ability to overcome his fear.  His attention is now drawn to So Eun's appearance. He examines So Eun's appearance with his eyes from head to toe, not missing a single detail about her beauty.

  "Sure enough, this dress is just right for you," Young Kwang says. So Eun, she has a genuine smile when he praise her like that.

 "Thank you, oppa; you have excellent taste." She returns his compliments.This conversation is suspicious, and Hyuk Soo notices an unusual meaning behind it. It appears that something about them has left him behind without his knowledge.

  "What exactly do you mean?" Hyuk Soo demand an explanation. So Eun explains that Young Kwang sent her the dress she is wearing this morning. This fact make the man feel more confuse and somehow insecure. Soo Hyuk can't help but wonder why.

   "It's a birthday present, and I'm grateful to her for able to inviting you here." He explains it as if it were one of the most routine things he could do. As if it very normal for the two of them for doing so.

   "Is it your birthday? When?" Soo Hyuk is now questioning So Eun. She simply replied, "today," prompting him to question why she hadn't told him.

  "You didn't ask," So Eun argues.

 "How come he knows?" He indicated Young Kwang.

 "He asked me!" So Eun was irritated.

  She has a daily conversation with Young Kwang via text or phone call, and they naturally chat a lot and learn new things about each other. Hyuk Soo is about to start another argument when a woman approaches him and asks if he is the model Lee Hyuk Soo. He replied stiffly. She is a well-known designer who has received praise from Rihanna, Seo Hyein.

   She hands Hyuk Soo her business card and expresses her desire incorporate him as a fashion model. Hearing this, So Eun and Young Kwang exchange smiles and decide to leave so Hyuk Soo can have a proper conversation with the designer.

   Hyuk Soo spent about 15 minutes talking with Seo Hyein. She told him to be ready because she would be contacting him soon. When he returns, someone asks Young Kwang to talk with, leaving him alone with So Eun.

   "How are things?" She asked him with enthusiasm. He informs her that she may contact him sooner. So Eun is overjoyed to hear that, and she tells him that coming here is the right decision, and she congratulates him. He is also cheerful, and he can't help but smile. He is grateful to the girl because she feels happy for him. After a while of chatting, So Eun informs him that she needs to use the restroom, and she departs.

   So Eun finishes her business, washes her hands, and checks her make-up before returning. She notices Hyuk Soo standing alone and takes a sip of his drink far enough away from her. Soon after, she noticed Kim Min Hee walking towards Hyuk Soo. He is aware of it as well, and she is smiling at him. 

  He turns around awkwardly, pretending not to see her. He makes an effort to avoid her.So Eun is watching this scene as she walks quickly towards them. She doesn't know why, but she can't let Min Hee get any closer to him. She witnessed his entire reaction and expression when he looks at her, and it did not sit well with her heart. However, she is unaware that her shoes are still wet as she walks on the sloping floor. Soon after, she slips and falls, her body sliding on the floor, just like on the waterslide.

   Everyone who is chatting is silenced by this view. Almost everyone in the room is staring at her. So Eun stares at Hyuk Soo, remembering how he treated her the last time she fell at the amusement park. So she expected him to laugh at her again now. She lowers her head and covers her face, embarrassed. This is totally awkward.

   Young Kwang is in the audience, and when he realizes what has happened, he rushes over to So Eun to assist her, but Hyuk Soo is faster. He helped her stand by lifting her arm with his hand carefully as she is a fragile crystal.

   "Are you okay?" his deep voice inquired. So Eun raises her head to see Soo Hyuk standing in front of her. She is taken aback that the man has come to assist her instead of laughing at her like the last time. Young Kwang is lagging behind him. Her gaze is drawn to Kim Min Hee, and she is rendered speechless as Hyuk Soo successfully escapes from her.

   "I'm fine.... But it's really embarrassing." So Eun was speaking quietly to Hyuk Soo. He understands; it is her signal that she wishes to leave immediately. Who wouldn't be embarrassed while putting on her shoes? So he takes her hand and walks her home, leaving all the grant party behind without looking back.

   "Thank you for tonight" Hyuk Soo says as they reach So Eun's home. He walks her outside and smile while touching her upper arm.

  "Don't bring it up; I'm happy to help you, sir." As his smile and gaze make her nervous, So Eun cracks a joke. When he treats her like that, she feels so warm on the inside. So Eun is overjoyed.

    So Eun's relationship with Hyuk Soo has grown closer since then. She frequently pays him a visit at the library, has lunch or dinner with him, and goes home with him, among other things. They end up becoming good friends. When Hyuk Soo visits her after a late rehearsal, he buys her a snack, ice cream, or something else to brighten her mood. It has piqued the interest of all of her friends.

      "Are you two dating?" After seeing Hyuk Soo's appearance, Hye Su inquired, whispering in So Eun's ear. He simply waved on So Eun, carrying a full bag of snacks. His presence brightens the mood of the girls at the rehearsal.

      "No.... " So Eun hesitates; she recognizes that they have grown closer, but she is aware that they are not in a romantic relationship. "Friends.... Only friends..." She goes on. On the other hand, Hye Su cannot believe that a girl could be just friends with an outstanding guy like Hyuk Soo. Hye Su continues to tease her by asking if she is not interested in him. So Eun doesn't respond, instead staring at Hye Su for a while before deciding to walk towards him.

       "What exactly are you bringing?" So Eun takes the plastic bag from him because the snacks he brought are enticing. She summons all of her friends to a snack gathering. Hyuk Soo didn't mind at all; In fact, he buys snacks for everyone on purpose.

       Everyone thanks him, and it makes him happy. They are curious as to when he began dating. So Eun. Everyone appears to be assuming that they are dating. He responds vaguely with "it's just like this and that," neither denying nor agreeing with their assumptions. As a result, So Eun does not take his message to heart. She believes it is because he does not want to let any slip of her girl friends, who openly flirts with him, any closer.